Sedum burrito (Baby Burro's Tail)

Scientific Name

Sedum burrito Moran

Synonym(s)

Sedum 'Burrito'

Common Name(s)

Baby Burro's Tail, Baby Donkey's Tail

Scientific Classification

Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum

Etymology

The specific epithet "burrito" (pronounced "bur-REE-toh") means "young donkey" in Spanish and refers to the stems of this species, which resemble a young donkey's tail.

Origin

This popular plant was first distributed from Paul Hutchinson's Tropic World Nursery in Escondido, California, United States, under the name "Burrito." Its origin is quite a mystery. It was formally described in 1977 by Reid Moran based on two specimens bought several years earlier at local nurseries, one in Guadalajara and another in a small town in Veracruz, Mexico. So, there is no known record of Sedum burrito in the wild.

Due to its similarities to Sedum morganianum, there has been conjecture that Sedum burrito is a vegetative sport or a natural hybrid of the latter. In 2017, Myron Kimnach wrote an article in the Journal of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America (V89 N.1), disagreeing with Moran's treatment of this plant. He pointed out that the differences between the two plants were primarily vegetative. However, due to distinct floral differences between the two plants, this argument has been rejected. As a result, the accepted name for this taxon remains Sedum burrito, and it is still listed as such in the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew's database.

Description

Sedum burrito is an attractive succulent with trailing stems bearing densely packed, grey-green to blue-green leaves covered with a powdery bloom. It is similar to Sedum morganianum but has much more compact growth, with blunter and bluer leaves that do not detach as easily. The stems can grow over 3 feet (90 cm) long, at first erect, becoming pendulous with age. The leaves are thick, fleshy, bean-shaped, measuring up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and about 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) wide.

The flowers are small, star-shaped, and pink with deeper pink irregular lines and yellow anthers. They usually appear in spring in terminal clusters of up to 6.

Sedum burrito is often found in nursery catalogs or labeled with the invalid name Sedum morganianum 'Burrito'.

Hybrids of Sedum burrito

How to Grow and Care for Sedum burrito

Light: These succulents grow best in full sun for at least 6 hours per day. Most species tolerate partial shade but do not thrive in deep shade.

Soil: Sedums do not tolerate waterlogged soil, so drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Choose a gritty, well-draining soil.

Hardiness: Sedum burrito can withstand temperatures from 30°F to 50°F (-1.1°C to 10°C) and is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b.

Watering: Sedum plants are drought-tolerant but do need some water. They do best with regular watering from spring through fall. Water thoroughly, then wait for the soil to dry before watering again.

Fertilizing: Sedums generally require only a balanced organic fertilizer each spring. Feeding is unnecessary as long as the plants are divided annually and provided with fresh soil.

Repotting: Sedums in containers require a little more care than those in gardens. Repot your plants when they outgrow their current pot by moving them to a larger container to better support the plant.

Propagation: Once you have one Sedum, it is easy to make more by taking stems or leaf cuttings and dividing the plant. Sedums are also easy to grow from seed.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.

Toxicity of Sedum burrito

Sedums are not listed as toxic for people, but can be mildly toxic to pets and children.

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